The Do's and Don'ts of Wedding Weight Loss

When you want to lose weight for your wedding day, there are a few "do's" and "don'ts" that you should really consider. These few pearls of wisdom can make the difference between a great, slimmer you and a not-so-ideal you. If you have found that your lifestyle is not optimal or, even healthy, than a wedding day weight loss plan may not be the best thing for you. You may need to think more long-term about a nutritional lifestyle change. But, for now, here is what you should know for your big day, and a few bits that can help your whole party look and feel better:

Do encourage bridal shower and engagement party planners to incorporate low-fat, healthy food options. Ofttimes, at these affairs that work up to the wedding day, you and your bridal party may eat more than normal. Offering better food choices can benefit everyone involved.

Do make staying hydrated a necessity, before, during, and after your wedding day.No matter what your weight loss goal, making sure that you drink lots of fluids will help keep you from becoming dehydrated which can affect your overall weight loss, mental and physical capabilities.

Do stay focused on achieving your wedding day weight loss goal. There will be so many other things for you to do during that time which could distract you. Commit to do what you set out to do, and you will see yourself starting to lose weight.

Do decrease your high-fat carbohydrate intake. You will be around a lot of food. It is best to steer clear of the butter- and fat-laden breads, and high sugar drinks. These things can offset your weight loss progress.

Do take photos of yourself, before, during, and after your wedding. You may be surprised at how you change through the weigh loss process.

Do get help if you need it. There are so many weight loss support organizations, and you should consider enlisting the aid of a personal trainer for that extra push.

Now, here's the flip side....

Don't require that your whole wedding party lose weight. Losing weight is a personal decision, whether for a wedding or simply for personal health. Weight loss is not something that should be dictated by others.

Don't set unrealistic goals for yourself. Going from a size 14 to a size 4 may not be the healthiest thing for you. Have you considered your spouse-to-be? They love you as you are, so you don't want to make your weight loss so dramatic that they "lose" the person that they fell in love with.

Don't try to lose too much too quickly. Fad diets are for the moment. They may not be the best or healthiest alternatives for you. Weight loss should be steady, 1-2 pounds per week, and something that a lasting effect. Also, don't buy a wedding dress that would require you to lose weight in a rushed, unhealthy way.

Don't forget the purpose of your wedding. The time leading up to your wedding can be a wonderful time in your life. While weight loss may be a part of your wedding day happiness, it is not the total point of your wedding.

So often, people can get caught up in all of the excitement of weddings, dresses for the bridesmaids, and all of the other things that go along with making a wedding event successful. Keep your weight loss efforts in perspective, along with the other responsibilities that you have. You can effectively lose weight for your wedding day, but don't do so at the expense of making that day the time of your life!